Mowing Centipedegrass: Height, Frequency, and Blade Care for a Healthy Lawn

The Golden Rule: Mow at 1.5 Inches Max

Mowing higher than 1.5 inches is the primary cause of centipedegrass problems, leading to substantial winter injury. Only remove one-third of the blade per mowing—so at 1.5-inch height, mow when grass reaches 2 inches.

Blade Sharpness Is Critical

Sharpen or replace blades annually. Dull blades shred grass, causing yellow tips, increased water use, and disease susceptibility.

Mower Type

Rotary mowers work on smooth lawns with sharp blades. Reel mowers are better for uneven ground.

Seasonal Mowing Practices

• Fall: Let grass go dormant without excessive mowing. In late March, mow off brown tops to warm soil—no scalping or burning (illegal and dangerous).
• Clippings: Leave them! They return nitrogen, don't cause thatch or disease.

Thatch & Dethatching

Centipedegrass rarely forms thatch if mowed regularly. Don't dethatch unless thatch exceeds ½ inch and grass is growing on a thatch layer. Unnecessary dethatching damages the turf.